You might try New Gold Medal. I haven't been there in a while, though. They have an upstairs that will accommodate a large party (at least 60). With a karaoke machine!I don't think they have Peking Duck, but they have excellent roast duck -- which could fool naive people into thinking it is Peking Duck. And you won't spend a lot of money.

Birthday girl is looking for a good atmosphere, kind of like HK East Ocean, but in Oakland because they will be there for some other activities during the day. Many are coming from the South Bay and she does not want everyone to have to drive somewhere else after the activity.

Cost is not a big deal. Peony and Joy Luck are typical Chinese restaurants - not too clean, dated decor, lots of Asian trinkets. She's hoping for something a little nicer, though I know that's tough. We will check out Gold Medal and King of King, never been to either one.

Not sure what the problem is with Peony. I believe the premises are less than 20 years old, so it's hard to see how it's dated. It's certainly decades newer than most of the other buildings in Oakland Chinatown.

Are they actually doing these activities in Chinatown? Because otherwise they're going to have to drive somewhere. Once you get in your car, Emeryville isn't any farther than parts of Oakland, and East Ocean in Alameda is just the other side of the Webster tube from Chinatown. East Ocean sounds like what you're looking for, but I'm not sure they do Peking duck.

Call ahead to reserve your three tables and preorder/customize your menu. We usually drop off everyone and then park the car 1 short block east of the restaurant on Concordia St. or in the parking lot of a former Safeway (now a West Marine store ).